Loving Ganesa

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 592 pages
• Published by: Himalayan Academy Publications
• Edition: 2nd Edition April 1, 2000
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0945497776
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0945497776
• Book Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 1.3 inches
• Weighs: 1.5 pounds

From Publishers Weekly
This celebration in print of an ancient Hindu tradition of great wisdom and potency is, as its cover copy says, primarily "an illustrated resource" of Ganesa materials suitable for the conduct of daily worship and study. The inclusion of crossword puzzles and two chapters on vegetarianism and ayurveda make for a collapse of focus in an erratic and uneven collection of priestly essays, testimonials, Ganesa lore, hymns and Sunday school-type handouts. Fascinating and endlessly intriguing as it may be, the book would have benefited from a less global goal. Nevertheless, as one of few available in its field, it is an important text for English-speaking readers and should remain as an all-you-wanted-to-know-but-were-afraid-to-ask book about Ganesa, the divine and much-loved remover of obstacles.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal
The elephant-headed god Gan es'a, widely worshiped by Hindus, is all but unknown in the Judeo-Christian West. Gan es'a is the great gatekeeper--the opener of doors to knowledge and bliss and the remover of obstacles to happiness and prosperity. This work, written by a well-known guru and writer of devotional books, is a worshiper's manual, stressing true belief rather than philosophical interpretation. It discusses what devotees need to know: iconography and symbols; mantras, prayers, rituals, offerings, and festivals; how a follower may become a saint; and the miracles that Lord Gan es'a has performed for those who love him. Western readers may find the style as cloying as that of some Christian devotional books, yet it is a treasure-trove of information on Gan es'a and Hinduism. Oddly, two chapters in the book--"Hinduism: The Greatest Religion in the World" and "Hindu Conversion"--have little to do with Gan es'a or devotion to him. Full of unfamiliar terminology, this book is a difficult read. Recommended for academic or large public library reference collections.
-James F. DeRoche, Alexandria, VA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Reader Reviews
To most non-Hindus, this elephant faced God can be quite perplexing. This is THE source to learn the history, the lore, chants, offering, and so much more regarding the Hindu deity, Ganesha. Hindus will find a better love and understand of this ancient God. Also included in the back, a section for those wishing to convert as well as Vegetarian info. The book is literally PACKED with topics. A must read for Hindus and Hindu seekers! Comment | | (Report this)